How to Cope With Scoliosis in Athletes

According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, two to three percent of the population is affected by scoliosis, and a cure has yet to be found. However, if you would like to participate in athletics, you need to take special precautions so that your condition does not worsen.

Solutions

• One solution to coping with scoliosis if you're an athlete would be to purchase a special brace that will give your lumbar area some additional support. Flexible braces now make it possible for people to wear them under their clothes during physical activity.

Considerations

• Athletes with scoliosis may notice that some of the symptoms are alleviated when they exercise; getting routine exercise is an important component to maintaining an overall sense of well-being. It is important to stay healthy if you have a preexisting health condition.

Alternatives

• If wearing a brace does not provide sufficient support to an athlete, another option is to obtain surgery on the spine. The surgery involves the insertion of a metal rod in scoliotic spines. However, the surgery will not necessarily cure the scoliotic spine; it will only alleviate some of the symptoms.